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Keep Left: What It Means & What To Do

Keep Left (R4-8) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Stay to the left of an obstacle, median, or traffic island
MUTCD CodeR4-8
CategoryRegulatory Signs
ShapeRectangle (vertical)
ColorWhite with black/red

What Does the Keep Left Mean?

Stay to the left of an obstacle, median, or traffic island.

About This Sign

The keep left sign directs drivers to pass to the left side of an obstruction or median.

Where you will see it

This sign is posted at the start of an obstruction, median or traffic island where traffic is meant to go by on the left side. It points the way around the divider.

What to do

  • Pass on the left side of the obstacle, median or traffic island.
  • Keep to your lane and do not cut across.
  • Follow the arrow, which points left.

A common mistake

Drivers who are used to passing obstacles on the right may drift right out of habit. This sign points you to the left of the divider instead.

What to remember for the test

Tell Keep Left from Keep Right by the arrow. Here the arrow points left, so you stay to the left of the obstacle, median or island.

Commonly Confused With

Other Regulatory Signs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Keep Left mean?

Stay to the left of an obstacle, median, or traffic island.

What shape and color is the Keep Left?

The Keep Left uses the Rectangle (vertical) shape and White with black/red coloring.

Practice Road Sign Questions

Test your knowledge of road signs with free DMV practice tests.